O'Keefe, Edward

Edward O'Keefe (c.1815-1871), Catholic priest, was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, circa 1815. He died in the parochial residence at Brigus on 28 February 1871.

O'Keefe was ordained a priest at Waterford, Ireland, in 1836. He was invited by Michael Anthony Fleming, Vicar Apostolic, to serve in the Vicariate of Newfoundland and arrived in St. John's in 1839. He signed the Foundation Document for the new Cathedral in St. John's on 20 May 1841.

Rev. O'Keefe was the parish priest of St. Peter and St. Paul Parish, Harbour Main (1849-56), and the second parish priest of St. Patrick's Parish, Brigus, succeeding Dean Mackin (1857-71). While administering that parish he built and officially opened a convent for the Sisters of Mercy at Brigus in 1861. Rev. O'Keefe was elected the Administrator of the Diocese of St. John's in 1869, following the death of Thomas John Mullock. In addition to his pastoral duties he was also a member of the Roman Catholic School Board for the district.

Created - May 7, 2013

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